Photos provided by Matthew Murphy

Over 25 million theatergoers in at least as many years have thus far embraced the Broadway edition of Disney’s “The Lion King,” and after the Cadillac Palace Theatre’s latest breathtaking stretch through Sunday, October 19, that number is sure to grow by leaps and bounds.

It’s indeed a modern classic if there every was one, mounted in the most revolutionary way imaginable thanks to a series of masterful puppeteers who double as live-action actors playing animals, elaborate costumes, stunning set designs and an elite cast of all ages helping translate the movie’s vivid animation to the larger-than-life stage.

This particular production features the well-matched likes of David D’Lancy Wilson (Mufasa), Peter Hargrave (Scar), Gilbert Domally (Simba), Mukelisiwe Goba (Rafiki), Robert Creighton (Timon), Nick LaMedica (Zazu), Danny Grumich (Pumbaa), Thembelihle Cele (Nala), Forest VanDyke (Banzai), Martina Sykes (Shenzi) and Sam Linda (Ed), while the role of Young Simba is alternated between Bryce Christian Thompson and Julian Villela, alongside Young Nala being swapped by Jaxyn Damasco and Emmanuella Olaitan.

Accompanied by a substantial ensemble under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart and Thomas Schumacher, plus a sterling soundtrack courtesy of Elton John and Tim Rice, amongst more notables, the stationary and simultaneously touring tradition that took home six Tony Awards continued living up to its excellent reputation.

Though it needs little introduction, “The Lion King” centers itself around the darker side of humanity’s never-ending quest for power as the noble king Mufasa is targeted by his dastardly brother Scar and their impressionable son/nephew Simba gets stuck in the middle.

The stakes eventually get as high as life or death, which means some serious soul-searching for the potential heir, who also may be the only one who can save the Pride Lands from a subsequent reign of terror filled with drought and famine.

In spite of the uncertainty, there’s almost always a reason to sing, including such classic tracks as “Circle Of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” “He Lives In You” and a plethora of choral pieces coming across as ageless as ever.

Each of the surrounding battle scenes are especially heart-pounding on a path to correctly crown “The Lion King,” resulting in nearly two-and-a-half-hours of multi-sensory stimulation that’s still a must-see spectacle.

It turns out Broadway In Chicago and Metra are making it even easier given a new promotion where fans can show their ticket, then ride the rails round trip for free throughout the date they attend and walk a mere five minutes to be right on time to see the curtain rise.

“The Lion King” continues at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through Sunday, October 19. For additional details, visit LionKing.com and BroadwayInChicago.com.

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